Unlike the numerous smooth jazz and neo-flamenco compilations (from Narada and other labels) littering the marketplace, Viva Flamenco! features numerous accomplished guitar players who remain far truer to the genre while often experimenting with outside sounds without watering down their music. Notable names here include Gerardo Nunez, Gino D'Auri, and El Viejin. Amidst some traditional numbers (many with vocal accompaniment), some artists here also offer fresh perspectives: Rafael Riqueni integrates romantic strings into the vivacious "Mi Tiempo," Miguel de la Bastide's speedy six-string fingerwork on the edited "El Cambio" (accompanied by flute) flows with a subtle jazz undertow, while Gino D'Auri's agile fretwork on "Barrio Santiago" is accompanied by sprightly tabla playing. Not all of the cuts here are outstanding, but Viva Flamenco! offers a respectable blend of tracks for the uninitiated, particularly since much of this compilation won't fit saccharine mainstream radio formats. --Bryan Reesman
Track Listing
01. La Enredadera - De Madera
02. Mi Tiempo - Rafael Riqueni
03. Al Aire - Pepe Habichuela
04. El Cambio (Edit) - Miguel De La Bastide
05. Se Alza La Luna - Juan Manuel Canizares
06. Primavera - Jose Merce
07. Montoya - Tomatito
08. Barrio Santiago - GINO D'AURI
09. Sevilla - Gerardo Nunez
10. Nana De Colores - Diego Carrasco
11. A Los Ninos Que Sufren - El Viejin
12. Alhambra - Guadiana
13. Chanela - Paco De Lucia
14. Entre Rosas Y Jazmines - Chuscales